Blake Gillikin Bio
Blake Thomas Gillikin (born January 21, 1998) is an American professional football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions. A former resident of Smyrna, Georgia, Gillikin led The Westminster Schools to its first GHSA Football Class AAA Georgia State Championship since 1978 in 2015, showcasing his skills as a five-star punter and kicker.
Early Life and Background
Blake Gillikin was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his journey in football. He attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where he excelled in various sports, particularly football. During his high school career, he played a pivotal role in leading his team to a state championship, which significantly shaped his future in the sport. His performance earned him recognition as a five-star punter and kicker by Kohl’s Kicking Camp, highlighting his exceptional talent at a young age.
Path to American Football
After high school, Blake Gillikin continued his football career at Penn State University, where he became a four-year starter. His time at Penn State was marked by impressive statistics, including ranking No. 2 on the school’s career punting average charts. He consistently demonstrated his skills, landing numerous punts inside the opponent’s ten-yard line and achieving a remarkable average of 43.03 yards per punt. His collegiate success laid a strong foundation for his transition into the professional football world.
Blake Gillikin Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Blake Gillikin signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020. He faced challenges early in his career, being placed on injured reserve shortly after signing. However, he bounced back and was named the starting punter for the 2021 season after the team released longtime starter Thomas Morstead. Gillikin’s performance during this period showcased his resilience and ability to adapt to the demands of professional football.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
In 2023, Blake Gillikin signed with the Arizona Cardinals, marking a new chapter in his professional career. He made an immediate impact, earning recognition for his performance in Week 9 of the 2024 season, where he punted four times with three inside the 20-yard line, leading to his selection as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Despite facing a setback due to a back injury that placed him on injured reserve in October 2025, Gillikin’s contributions to the team have been significant and noteworthy.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Blake Gillikin has achieved several milestones, including being named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2017 during his college years. His transition from college football to the NFL has been marked by resilience and determination, as he continues to make his mark in the league.
Blake Gillikin Award Nominations
Blake Gillikin has received recognition for his performance on the field, including being named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2017. His achievements in college football have set the stage for his professional career, where he continues to strive for excellence.
Blake Gillikin Awards Won
Throughout his career, Blake Gillikin has won the Second-team All-Big Ten award in 2017, highlighting his exceptional skills as a punter during his college years. This recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Blake Gillikin Family
Information regarding Blake Gillikin’s family is not publicly available, as he tends to keep his personal life private. However, his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia, and his experiences during his formative years have undoubtedly influenced his journey in football.
Personal Life
Blake Gillikin has maintained a low profile regarding his personal life, focusing primarily on his football career. As of now, there are no publicly available details about his marital status or relationships.
